Doubt the Market? 3 Stocks to Rideout Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt

Core Viewpoint - The market is experiencing volatility with mixed signals from various sectors, prompting investors to seek safer, less volatile assets like blue-chip stocks amidst economic uncertainty [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Overview - Recent economic data indicates resilience in consumer spending and the job market, yet public sentiment is declining, and inflation expectations are rising [1]. - The S&P 500 has seen a rally of over 15% since April 8, but uncertainty remains, keeping it below February's all-time high [2]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to consider blue-chip stocks that align with Benjamin Graham's 'margin of safety' principle, focusing on assets trading below their intrinsic value [2][3]. - Three stocks are highlighted as potential safe havens during market volatility, selected based on fundamental and technical metrics [4]. Group 3: Company Analysis - Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PM) is forecasted to have a 12-month stock price of $169.20, indicating a downside of 5.06% from the current price of $178.23, with a moderate buy rating based on 11 analyst ratings [5]. - PM offers a 3% dividend yield and has a beta of 0.52, making it attractive in uncertain times [5]. - The company is focusing on smokeless products, generating over 40% of Q1 2025 revenue from these sources, with ZYN nicotine pouches seeing a shipment increase of over 50% [6]. Group 4: Company Analysis - Cardinal Health - Cardinal Health (CAH) has a 12-month stock price forecast of $146.43, with a downside of 4.12% from the current price of $152.73, and a moderate buy rating based on 14 analyst ratings [9]. - The stock has increased over 25% in 2025, with a strong dividend payout ratio under 35% and a history of 29 years of payment increases [10]. - The company reported fiscal Q3 2025 earnings that exceeded analyst estimates by 9%, with year-over-year growth of over 13% [10][11]. Group 5: Company Analysis - Alphabet Inc. - Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) is trading at less than 20 times earnings for the first time since 2012, with a beta of 1.01, indicating volatility similar to the S&P 500 [14]. - The company has recently paid its first dividend, suggesting a focus on shareholder returns alongside reinvestment in research and development [14]. - Analysts have set an average price target of $199 for GOOGL, indicating potential upside of over 15% [15].